Benefits of Eco-Friendly Flooring, Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products

Posted: June 04, 2013

Eco-friendly flooring, and sustainable flooring, is gaining momentum in today’s flooring industry. Sustainable flooring, specifically, focuses on using flooring that has the least amount of negative impact on the ecosystem. This includes factoring in:

Harvesting

Production

Use

Disposal

Adhesives used

Not only does eco-friendly, sustainable flooring provide a better future for renewable resources, but it also is believed to create safer and healthier buildings and spaces.

When looking for eco-friendly flooring, how do you know which products actually live up to the claim? Many types of flooring can be eco-friendly, depending on how they are manufactured. Below are some examples:

Bamboo: Bamboo is actually a grass that’s fast growing (it can be harvested in five years). This increases its role as a renewable resource. It’s oftentimes cheaper than traditional hardwood, yet just as durable (if not more). Just be sure that your manufacturer uses natural-base adhesives.

Cork: Cork comes from cork oak. The beauty is the tree is not harmed in order to obtain the cork (the bark is removed). Thus, it’s the very definition of a renewable resource. It’s known for its soundproofing qualities and has a “spring back” quality that prevents imprints.

Wood: That’s right. Wood. When you consider carbon dioxide emissions, wood flooring ranks higher (better) than linoleum or vinyl flooring. It also scored better in air pollution emissions and waste generation. Reclaimed wood, in particular, adds to hardwood’s capabilities of being a renewable resource. Of course, one complaint about wood as an eco-friendly product is how long it takes to be able to harvest (for example) oak, or maple (decades). There are tree farms across the country (and Canada), however, that are trying to help increase wood’s role as a renewable resource.

Rubber: Rubber comes from a rubber tree, which is a 100% renewable resource. Beware, however, because some rubber flooring is made from synthetic rubber, which is far from sustainable or eco-friendly.

Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products

What good is eco-friendly flooring if you’re forced to use toxic cleaners in order to maintain your floor’s health and shine?

Floors like wood are revered for their low toxic emissions, meaning the air quality of your home is safe. However, that means very little if you’re forced to apply toxic chemicals onto your floor to clean it.

Luckily, there are eco-friendly cleaning products that actually work. A number of manufacturers have eco-friendly cleaners that are tailor-made for wood, cork, linoleum, and more. So, what should you look for in an eco-friendly cleaning product?

You want to look for all-natural cleaners that are plant-derived solutions that do NOT contain the following:

Petrochemicals

Ammonia

VOC’s

Phosphates

Making sure your cleaner does not include any of these ingredients ensures it’s safe to use around pets and animals.

The DIY Eco-Friendly Cleaning Product

Sometimes we’re a little skeptical of brand-name products. We’d prefer to make our own solutions, if possible. Below is a “recipe” for creating your own eco-friendly floor-cleaning product. Notice, it’s just ONE step. That’s how easy it is.